Mercer defeats Western Carolina 17-14 on last-second field goal

Mercer University secured a 17-14 victory over Western Carolina on Saturday, driven by a last-second 42-yard field goal from Simon Zeidan. The win brings the No. 20 Mercer Bears to a 5-2 record and 2-1 in the Southern Conference.

In rainy conditions caused by Hurricane Isaias, Mercer quarterback JP Pickles contributed 132 passing yards and 71 rushing yards, including two touchdown passes. Zahmari Palode-Gary scored a 55-yard touchdown reception to give Mercer a lead in the fourth quarter. Western Carolina responded with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Lex Thomas to Jai Boyd, but Pickles led a final 46-yard drive to set up Zeidan’s winning kick as time expired.